Letter: Abortion is an empty political issue

Tuesday

Oct 18, 2016 at 2:01 AM

I understand the passion and fervor of citizens who oppose abortion. They view the procedure as no less than murder. I get it. But then comes the disconnect.

In 1999, Trump claimed to be pro-choice. He apparently changed his mind in 2016 when he was running for president. Was the change a matter of principle or expediency? How sincere is Trump concerning this issue? We do not know, although I have my suspicions. But that’s not the major point.

Election after election, pro-life supporters select pro-life candidates. George W. Bush held the presidency for eight years. So did Reagan, and the elder Bush held the office for four years. Did abortion end? Of course not.

Consider Michigan. Republicans have controlled the executive and legislative branches for years. Are abortions still performed in our state? Yes. Has Michigan’s government attempted to diminish the practice? Not that I know of.

Why not? Because decades ago the Supreme Court ruled prohibiting abortion is unconstitutional. And within the past year the Supreme Court ruled Texas’ attempt to regulate abortions was also unconstitutional. Whether we like it or not, the Supreme Court has ruled abortion is a woman’s right, and that is not going to change.

Those who support Donald Trump based on his supposed pro-life stance may be sincere, but more likely they are either deluding themselves or they are rationalizing their selection for other unstated reasons.

Still, the bottom line is this: Voting for Trump or any other candidate because of his/her pro-life stance is simply an empty, ineffective action that won’t change anything. It might make the voter feel good, but that’s it.

And for the record, I would love to witness the end of the need for any woman to seek an abortion.